Ease Anxiety

We live in a world with everything available to us instantly, we have entertainment 24/7 and whatever information we need at our fingertips. Everything we could ever want is right in front of us yet anxiety is at all time high. What triggers it?

It is usually the build up pf smaller stressful life situations, like a relationship break up, moving house, ongoing financial struggles or an impending big event. Anxiety can be caused by a variety of things: stress, genetics, brain chemistry, traumatic events, or environmental factors. Symptoms can be reduced with anti-anxiety medication. But even with medication, people may still experience some anxiety or even panic attacks. Here’re some ways to alleviate anxiety:

1. Exercise

If you’re feeling stressed, moving your body on a consistent basis may help. Many other studies have shown that engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress levels and improve mood, while sedentary behavior may lead to increased stress, poor mood, and sleep disturbances.If you’re currently inactive, start with gentle activities such as walking or biking. Choosing an activity that you enjoy may help increase your chances of sticking to it in the long term.

2. Follow a healthy diet

Minimizing your intake of highly processed foods and drinks, eating more whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, fish, nuts, and seeds can help ensure that your body is properly nourished.

3. Minimimise screen time

Smartphones, computers, and tablets are an unavoidable part of everyday life for many people.While these devices are often necessary, using them too often may increase stress levels.A number of studies have linked excessive smartphone use and “iPhone addiction” with increased levels of stress and mental health and sleep disorders.

4. Take supplements

Several vitamins and minerals play an important role in your body’s stress response and mood regulation. As such, a deficiency in one or more nutrients may affect your mental health and ability to cope with stress.

5. Practice self care

Taking time for yourself is essential in order to live a healthy life.It doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated. It simply means tending to your well-being and happiness. • going for a walk outside • taking a bath • lighting candles • reading a good book • exercising • preparing a healthy meal • stretching before bed • getting a massage • practicing a hobby • using a diffuser with calming scents

6. Reduce your caffeine intake

Caffeine is a chemical found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks that stimulates your central nervous system. Consuming too much may worsen and increase feelings of anxiety.

7. Learn to say no

Taking control over your personal life may help reduce stress and protect your mental health. One way to do this may be to say “no” more often. This is especially true if you find yourself taking on more than you can handle, because juggling many responsibilities may leave you feeling overwhelmed.Being selective about what you take on — and saying “no” to things Plus, creating boundaries — especially with people who add to your stress levels — is a healthy way to protect your wellbeing. This can be as simple as asking a friend or family member not to visit or canceling standing plans with a friend who tends to create drama.

ARTIST

Meet Catt Kyriacou, owner of Soul Art and Jewellery by Katka

Originally from Liverpool, Catt planned to travel the world after graduating from university. Her first stop was Cyprus and she fell in love with the island, with all its natural beauty, stories of Aphrodite and the churches. “I loved the churches,” she enthused. She was later baptised and settled on the outskirts Ayia NAPA. Catt said “I took the short cut to where I was meant to be! Cyprus has a special light and beauty and I felt spiritually connected to this country, like I was supposed to be here. It’s a healing place.” Before she had her family, she was painting murals and nightclub walls, then stayed at home with her two young daughter and painted canvases, before turning her talents to making bespoke jewellery, setting sea shells in beautifully decorated copper wiring. She said, “ I was walking along the beach one day with a special friend who picked up a shell and gave it to me. I’d been having a difficult time and I am a sentimental soul so as an artist I saw something in the shell, it was very significant. I put it in my purse and it was the first shell I

copper, just to preserve and remember it’s significance and that special day. Later it gave me the idea to make shell jewellery and the business grew from there.” “I love wire wrapping. I did 3D design at university (wood, metal, ceramics and glass) and I specialised in metal work later working with wire. My tutor at the time said he hadn’t seen wire used in this way before! I created mainly wire clocks and sculptures. They were exhibited in the UK for two years but I stopped whilst painting in Cyprus. When Covid started in March and we were locked down I said a prayer one night for inspiration and asked to be shown a way forward. The next day I woke up with the idea to make jewellery and I wrapped MY shell after that. I spent two years in lockdown making jewellery, learning new techniques and experimenting with designs, preparing to launchon aninternational stage. My pieces sell on average for 200 euros a piece and are all unique, no two designs are the same.” Catt added, “I love working in copper, it’s a beautiful and versatile metal and is a big part of cypriot history.In fan the Greek name for the island is “Kupros” which is derived from the word for copper.”